This Calming, Collaborative Workspace Is The Ideal Office Surrounded by Nature In Suburban Ahmedabad

Studio Saransh, an Indian architecture practice, has designed its own workspace, Oasis, in the suburbs of Ahmedabad. Covering 1,170 square meters, the project reflects the studio’s move from the city center to a quieter, more peaceful location. The design pairs black basalt with steel, giving the workspace a distinct, modern character.

Oasis is organized into five separate blocks arranged around a central, sunken courtyard. Open walkways connect these blocks, encouraging employees to move outside and enjoy natural light and fresh air throughout the day. This layout fosters a calm, collaborative environment, away from the bustle of the city. “The walkways not only facilitate movement but also serve as communal spaces, encouraging chance encounters and fostering spontaneous collaborations among the studio’s inhabitants,” said the studio.

Designer: Studio Saransh

The entrance to the campus is set deliberately apart from the main buildings, guiding staff on a brief walk along a rubble wall draped in bougainvillea before they reach their desks. This pathway creates a sense of arrival and transition into the workspace. On the western side of the lake, the campus features its larger blocks: the main studio and a cluster of cabins for the studio’s partners.

The main studio is defined by its double-height volume and a north-facing roof that brings in consistent, natural light. A mezzanine level has been incorporated to accommodate future growth, offering additional workspace without altering the building’s footprint. This mezzanine is connected directly to the partner cabins via a bridge that spans the central courtyard, fostering easy movement and visual connection across the workspace. “The planning fosters collaboration, accommodates diverse work preferences, and encourages a strong connection with the environment,” said Studio Saransh director Malay Doshi.

On the eastern side of the sunken courtyard, a series of smaller blocks are thoughtfully arranged to support the campus’s daily operations. These include a service block, an administrative block, and a cluster of meeting rooms. The meeting rooms are positioned to overlook a secluded court in the northeast corner of the site, where rows of lemongrass add a touch of greenery and fragrance to the surroundings, creating a calming atmosphere for gatherings and discussions.

The central courtyard itself is carefully designed to connect the various buildings and levels across the campus. One side of the courtyard features broad steps that gently descend, guiding visitors downward as they move westward. This subtle gradient helps to ease the transition between different heights of the site’s blocks, ensuring a harmonious flow and minimizing abrupt elevation changes. “One of the biggest surprises during execution was how the land modulation combined with the landscaping transformed the perceived scale of the space,” said Doshi. “By sinking portions of the site and layering it with tall grasses, the design was able to create an intimate, human-scaled courtyard despite the surrounding buildings.”

At the lowest level of the courtyard, a spacious lily pond has been created, accented with lights designed to mimic the appearance of reeds. “The water contributes to the sensory experience, creating a soothing ambiance, while helping the courtyard stay cooler through the day,” said the studio. “Visitors in the courtyard become active participants in this unfolding narrative of a day at the studio. One can find people in this space all through the day, having enthusiastic discussions over a coffee, having a heated argument with someone over a phone, watching tiny fishes in the pond getting eaten by herons or just sitting and sketching.”

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World’s First Foldable E-Reader Tablet Opens And Closes Like A Real Book

We finally made the most meaningful foldable ever. For every bookworm who’s loathed the idea of reading a book on essentially a slab of plastic, Taiwan-based Readmoo has unveiled the MooInk V – the world’s first foldable e-reader. Designed with a game-changing new flexible E Ink screen, the MooInk V gives you the satisfaction of literally opening a book with the way it unfolds. The only thing really missing now is the turning pages bit… and probably the book smell.

The MooInk V is essentially what would happen if an e-reader and a foldable smartphone had a baby – featuring an 8-inch foldable E Ink Gallery 3 panel that displays in both monochrome and color. As someone who’s constantly toggling between my Kindle and tablet, this particular convergence of technologies hits a sweet spot I didn’t know existed.

Designer: Readmoo

The display offers 300 PPI for black and white text (the gold standard for e-readers) and 150 PPI for color content. While that color resolution won’t compete with your iPad, it’s perfectly serviceable for comics, magazines, and textbooks – the kind of content that’s always felt compromised on traditional e-readers.

And this foldable format seems honestly perfect for e-books because of how it literally resembles a book. The foldable design creates a natural break that mimics the spine of a book, with a hinge that allows for 180° and 90° folding positions. There’s reportedly a barely noticeable crease where the screen folds, and the device uses an aluminum-magnesium alloy body for durability.

Under the hood, the MooInk V likely shares similar specifications to Readmoo’s other devices, though exact details haven’t been fully disclosed. It runs on Android, which means you’re not locked into a proprietary ecosystem. Want to use Kindle, Kobo, or other reading apps? Go right ahead. The device should provide days of reading time, given the power efficiency of E Ink displays. It offers Wi-Fi and USB-C connectivity, and while not explicitly confirmed for this model, other Readmoo devices support features like Bluetooth connectivity and stylus input for annotation.

Currently, the device is available for pre-order in Taiwan for approximately NT$19,800 (around $615), with shipping expected to begin in August. There’s no word yet on international availability, but given the growing interest in E Ink technology beyond simple e-readers, I wouldn’t be surprised to see similar devices making their way to global markets soon.

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GM’s EV Corvette Concept Strips Down the V8 Legacy

General Motors is rethinking its most sacred nameplate. The new Corvette EV concept, revealed at GM’s Advanced Design Studio in Royal Leamington Spa, England, trades rumbling V8s for an all-electric platform wrapped in something far from retro. The silhouette still squats low, still signals speed, but does so with no exhaust and with a profile that barely glances backward. Corvette’s identity hasn’t been erased—it’s been redrawn with electricity in mind, targeting a global audience without bowing to nostalgia.

Designer: GM Advanced Design Studio in Royal Leamington Spa, England

The move is more than symbolic. GM has planted this concept in European soil with deliberate purpose. This isn’t a car built for one continent. It’s aimed at drivers from Stuttgart to San Francisco, designed in collaboration with studios across the globe. It doesn’t pander. It announces.

Rewriting the Corvette Shape Language

What you see first is the roofline. The entire upper half of the vehicle tilts toward sculpture, not memory. Those gullwing doors aren’t there to echo a Mercedes or to turn heads for novelty. They exist because the body sits so impossibly low that they’re the most rational way in. And yes, they make a dramatic entrance without being theatrical.

The front grille is gone. EVs don’t need them, and GM doesn’t pretend otherwise. In its place, light signatures define the fascia with a shape that still looks aggressive, but with intention. Sharp contours across the hood and fenders don’t decorate—they redirect airflow, visually and physically.

Out back, a single horizontal light bar stretches from edge to edge, tying in with active aero elements that morph based on driving conditions. It feels more like a low-slung hypercar than a traditional coupe. But the Corvette DNA lingers—most noticeably in the split rear window, a nod to the 1963 Sting Ray, done without dipping into retro design.

Battery, Torque, and the EV Transition

Underneath that form sits GM’s Ultium platform. Expect a tightly integrated battery chassis, structural rigidity baked into every panel, and a center of gravity pulled toward the Earth. The likely AWD layout and dual- or tri-motor setup translate to explosive torque and surgical traction. This isn’t an adaptation. It’s a rebuild.

The Corvette EV shares electric bones with the Hummer EV and Cadillac Lyriq, but application matters. Here, the same 800V architecture will be tasked with delivering speed between corners, not climbing rocks. Fast charging becomes a pit stop, not a feature.

Cooling ducts carved into the body hint at motorsport roots. This isn’t a heat-trapped city cruiser. GM has shaped the chassis and airflow to handle repeated high-speed stress. Expect lessons pulled straight from Corvette Racing’s back catalog, translated into venting, ducting, and thermal control.

Driver-First Cockpit, Digitally Rewired

Inside the concept, analog thinking meets digital interface. A squared-off steering wheel cuts visual clutter and consolidates tactile inputs. You keep your hands planted at 9 and 3. Augmented reality overlays your data in motion—speed, g-force, track line—but only when needed.

Materials matter. Recycled composite trims don’t cheapen the cabin. They focus it. Upholstery swaps indulgence for precision. The carbon-backed seats don’t pad you in leather; they clamp you in position. The center spine of the cabin flows between seats, eliminating the transmission tunnel and adding usable space without drawing attention to it.

The layout is purposeful, the materials selected with restraint, and the controls placed for use under pressure, not for show.

The Corvette Goes Global

GM didn’t pick Royal Leamington Spa by accident. The UK design hub brings European proportioning and urban sensibility to a traditionally American platform. The lines are leaner. The angles more decisive. This design didn’t pass through Detroit untouched—it was shaped in dialogue with Seoul, Melbourne, Shanghai, and beyond.

It also shows GM’s strategy: bring American icons into a design vocabulary that speaks internationally. Performance EVs are no longer niche in Europe. Regulations, infrastructure, and consumer appetite are already in place. This Corvette concept signals GM’s serious intent to sell electric performance on a global stage.

Where Concept Meets Reality

Don’t expect gullwings on the production model. They make a point here, but crash regs and cost constraints tend to win that argument. The same applies to some of the show-car detailing. But what matters is the architecture, and that looks production-ready.

GM hasn’t committed to a launch window, but the hybrid E-Ray was the opening act. A fully electric Corvette landing by 2026 isn’t off-script. When it arrives, it won’t be a re-skinned Stingray with batteries stuffed in. It’ll be a purpose-built machine.

The EV space is full of promises, missed timelines, and brand pivots. What this Corvette concept offers is a clear signal: GM plans to make performance EVs with teeth. And if the production car looks and drives anything like this concept implies, that future’s going to be loud—even if the engine isn’t.

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LEGO reveals nine detailed Star Wars Day sets for May the 4th celebrations

May the 4th is almost here, and it’s that time of the year for Star Wars fans to celebrate the franchise’s success ever since George Lucas rolled out the first installment in 1977. Just like every year, LEGO has loads of sets (9 to be precise) in store for us fans as a part of the Ultimate Collector Series. The new lineup includes key Star Wars elements like The Force Awakens, characters like  Jango Fett, and even BrickHeadz.

According to Mike Ilacqua, Head of Product, LEGO Star Wars Products, “Our talented team has outdone themselves, creating a wide range of models from across the galaxy. There’s something for every fan to enjoy – from the most detailed collector’s items for display to fun, adventurous sets inspired by the galaxy far, far away. We can’t wait to see LEGO Star Wars fans’ first impressions at Star Wars Celebration in Japan very soon!”

Designer: LEGO Group

Coming to the Ultimate Collector Series is Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship, and the new 2,970-piece set is the first time in over two decades that’s dedicated to his father’s spaceship. It comes with detailed minifigures of Jango and Boba Fett as kids, a movable entrance, a detailed internal cockpit, an opening landing ramp, and the bomb hatch to position the seismic charge. The Starship can be kept in the display stand, the landing, or the flight mode. This set will cost collectors $300, with release promised on May 1 for Insiders and May 4 for the general public. This set is going to be the highlight of the lineup as people ordering directly from the LEGO Group from May 1 to May 5 will receive extra goodies that include a commemorative keychain, three Clone cadet minifigures, a tiny patrol vehicle, and weapon racks.

Eight other sets in the collection include the first-ever set inspired by Andor season 2, two Brickheadz releases inspired by A New Hope, and the 20th anniversary of Revenge of the Sith. This depicts the climax of A New Hope with Luke in the X-Wing pilot flight gear. The five-pack comes with the buildable chibi figurines of Anakin that can be turned into Darth Vader with the swap of the eyes, Padmé, Mace Windu, Chancellor Palpatine in Darth Sidious mode, and General Grievous. Each one of them is priced at $10 and $50, respectively.

Then there is the $70 priced 594-piece minifigure scaled U-Wing set that comes with the minifigures of Cassian, Dedra Meero, an ISB Tactical Agent, and K-2SO. The 386-piece build of Kylo Ren’s shuttle can also be displayed on the stand with wings in flight or landing mode, costing $70. Two new sets of Kylo and Jango, 529 and 616 pieces each, as a part of the collectible helmet line, are also priced at $70. The 22 cm tall Rebels icon Chopper Astromech for the droid series comes with a removable wheel, retractable tools, and manipulator arms. It is priced at $100. Last but not least, there is a 700-piece buildable version of the Star Wars logo costing $60.

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Spring Cleaning 101: Designs That Can Help You Refresh Your Space

Spring is not just a season but a symbol of renewal, fresh energy, and plenty of sunshine. After months wrapped in warm blankets and winter stillness, the body naturally craves a shift — and your home should reflect that change. But why reserve that fresh start for just one season? A well-designed space can transition effortlessly through the year, staying vibrant and clutter-free beyond spring.

As nature reawakens and energy returns, it’s the perfect time to clear out the old. Here is how you can welcome the new season and create a home that supports every season with ease and intention.

1. Create a Clutter-free layout

A clutter-free layout begins with a minimalist approach that focuses on keeping only what is truly necessary. With fewer items in the home, cleaning becomes simpler and more manageable. Choosing an open floor plan can further reduce maintenance, as it limits hard-to-reach corners while creating a sense of spaciousness. This type of layout also improves cross ventilation and allows more natural light to fill the space, enhancing overall well-being. Every item in the home should serve a clear purpose or bring joy.

Organizational tools like baskets and trays help contain everyday messes, such as designated spots for keys or laundry. Simple habits, such as following a one-in, one-out rule when purchasing new items, can prevent unnecessary accumulation and support a more intentional way of living.

The Lang House by Austin Maynard Architects is a cleverly designed open-plan home in suburban Melbourne that blends minimalism with smart functionality. Its simple boxy exterior, clad in durable Equitone cement fiber panels, conceals a bright, low-maintenance 2,700 sq. ft. interior designed for modern living.

Built without hallways, the home embraces an open layout that’s easy to navigate and even easier to clean. A hidden guest space near the entrance includes a Murphy bed and heavy curtains, while the central kitchen connects seamlessly to two lush gardens that bring in natural light and ventilation. The sleek cabinetry hides appliances, a study nook, and a pantry, keeping the space tidy and clutter-free.

2. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture

In smaller or more compact homes, multi-functional furniture offers both practicality and space efficiency. Rather than filling a room with multiple pieces, it is more effective to select furniture that serves more than one purpose. Storage beds, ottomans with hidden compartments, or tables with built-in shelves help reduce clutter while maximizing utility. Foldable wall desks are another smart choice, offering workspace when needed and freeing up surface area when not in use.

These options not only reduce the number of items in a room but also improve circulation and flow, making the space feel more open. By minimizing visual weight, the home appears lighter and less crowded, creating a cleaner and more organized atmosphere.

The Hariana Tech Smart Ultimate Bed is a multifunctional setup designed for comfort, productivity, and a clutter-free space. Built for both work and relaxation, it features an integrated reclining massage chair, Bluetooth speakers, a bookshelf, a reading lamp, an air purifier, and built-in charging ports—all seamlessly housed within the bed frame. Ideal for WFH days, Netflix binges, or reading marathons, it includes a pop-up desk, a footstool with hidden storage, and a password-protected safe for valuables. The advanced sound system supports SD cards, USB, and aux input for versatile entertainment.

Every element is thoughtfully integrated to eliminate the need for extra furniture or scattered gadgets. Whether you’re working, unwinding, or doing both, the Hariana Smart Bed turns your bedroom into a sleek, organized haven with no clutter and just comfort.

3. Opt for Low-Maintenance Materials

When designing a home, choosing low-maintenance materials can make daily upkeep much easier. Surfaces that are easy to clean help reduce the time spent on routine tasks. For example, matte laminates in kitchens are more forgiving with fingerprints compared to glossy finishes, making them ideal for cabinets and wardrobes. Similarly, matte-finish wall paints are not only more subtle but also often washable, making them a practical choice over high-gloss finishes. In the kitchen, darker countertops tend to hide stains and spills better, making them easier to maintain.

For upholstery and soft furnishings, selecting fabrics that are easy to clean, such as machine-washable curtains, durable rugs, or stain-resistant sofa and ottoman covers can help keep the space looking fresh with less effort.

The X1 Robot Bed Vacuum is a smart, compact device designed to deep clean fabric surfaces where dust and allergens build up. Using triple action tech with 15000 vibrations per minute, 15AW suction, and 270nm UV-C light, it eliminates dust mites, bacteria, and allergens with up to 95% sanitization efficiency, making it ideal for allergy relief and spring cleaning.

Perfect for beds, sofas, cushions, rugs, baby mats, and pet areas, the X1 reaches deep into fabric layers to clean where traditional vacuums can’t. Its 9 proximity sensors and smart path planning ensure efficient coverage while avoiding obstacles and edges. Choose from soft, powerful, or precision modes, or switch to manual for detailed control on uneven surfaces.

It runs quietly for up to an hour, includes a HEPA filter to trap fine particles, and features voice control with automatic UV shutoff for safety. Compact, intuitive, and hands-free, the X1 brings powerful hygienic cleaning to your most used spaces.

4. Organize Storage by Zones

Creating dedicated storage zones throughout the home promotes better organization and makes daily tasks more manageable. When every item has a clear place, whether it’s appliances, cleaning supplies, shoes, bed linen, or seasonal clothing, it becomes easier to maintain order and avoid wasting time searching. Dividing storage into sections helps break down cleaning into smaller, achievable tasks, such as focusing on one area at a time.

Separating winter and summer wardrobes, organizing utensils and pantry items, and assigning space for accessories or linens make routines feel more effortless. Keeping cleaning tools visible and within reach encourages regular use, while regularly letting go of unused items helps each zone stay functional and clutter-free.

The Ray Coffee Table is a bold, minimalist concept that combines brutalist design with clever, organized storage. Its signature feature is the pair of U-shaped legs, angled at opposite ends to provide both stability and style. These sculptural supports are double as open compartments, ideal for neatly storing books, magazines, or essentials you want within easy reach.

Made from 3D-printed PETG or potentially welded sheet metal, Ray embraces industrial aesthetics while offering practical function. The perforated legs add visual character and serve as flexible storage zones—perfect for inserting umbrellas, rolled-up newspapers, or hanging accessories in an organized way.

Designed to keep surfaces clean and clutter-free, Ray turns underutilized structural elements into purposeful storage. It’s ideal for modern spaces that value minimalism without sacrificing utility. More than just a coffee table, Ray is a design-forward solution that balances form and order with ease.

5. Bring Nature Indoors

Incorporating natural elements into the home can elevate both its look and feel, especially during a seasonal reset like spring cleaning. Indoor plants not only enhance visual appeal but also help purify the air by absorbing toxins and improving overall air quality. This connection to nature can create a calming, refreshing atmosphere that supports mental well-being.

Low-maintenance plants like peace lilies, pothos, or snake plants are great options for people who lead hectic lives. These types offer the advantages of greenery with little maintenance. Even in the chilly winter months, a little bit of nature can add vitality, health, and life to any area.

Briiv Pro is a next-gen eco-friendly air purifier that blends nature with smart tech. Designed like a terrarium, it uses a natural filter system made of moss, coconut fiber, and a silk nanofiber matrix with activated carbon to trap dust, pet dander, smoke, VOCs, and odors. It purifies a 16 sq.m. room in just 21 minutes, making it up to 6900% more effective than houseplants.

 

The Briiv Pro features AI-powered Canary Mode, which activates automatically when air quality drops, and Zen Mode, which syncs multiple units across your home. A built-in diffuser lets you add essential oils for a scented touch. It runs quietly, purifies 68 cubic feet per minute, and can be controlled via tap, app, or Alexa.

It is 98% plastic-free, with compostable or recyclable filters and a reusable moss layer. With just 0.005kWh power use per hour, it’s as energy efficient as it is stylish, it cleans the air that looks as good as it feels.

When a home is thoughtfully designed and well-organized, cleaning no longer feels like an overwhelming annual task. Instead, it becomes a natural and even enjoyable part of daily life. A well-arranged space promotes a sense of calm, supports better routines, and brings mental clarity. By creating an environment that’s easy to maintain, the home not only looks better but also feels better and offers both physical order and peace of mind.

The post Spring Cleaning 101: Designs That Can Help You Refresh Your Space first appeared on Yanko Design.

Verge just open-sourced electric bikes the way Raspberry Pi did computers

E-bikes are having their ‘Raspberry Pi’ moment, and I’m absolutely here for it. You know how the Raspberry Pi allowed pretty much anyone to build their own computing device? You didn’t have to rely on larger, bulky models – you could literally put together your own computer and configure it to be exactly the kind of device you wanted it to be – whether something as complex as a robot dog, or something as simple as a single-sensor IoT device. Verge is bringing that plug-and-play simplicty to electric bikes by practically open-sourcing its own e-bike framework. Their new B2B arm, titled Verge Next, will help pretty much any third-party (whether it’s a one-off hobbyist or a mobility company) build their own e-bikes directly on Verge’s open platform.

If you’ve seen Verge’s bikes, you already know they don’t play by conventional rules. Their hubless rear wheel, powered by the company’s famed Donut engine, is both a visual showstopper and a functional revelation. By integrating the motor into the wheel rim, Verge eliminates traditional drive chains or belts, resulting in fewer mechanical losses, a cleaner design, and notably smoother torque delivery. And now Verge is making it available to everyone.

Designer: Verge Motorcycles

Verge Next is where this transfer of power happens, figuratively and literally. It’s a tech licensing arm that operates like a sandbox – a space where manufacturers can play with proven hardware and software stacks, build on them, tweak them, and get to market without reinventing the wheel. Quite literally.

At the core is the Donut engine, developed by Verge’s partner company, Donut Lab. It’s scalable, adaptable, and designed for integration across a range of vehicle formats. Need a compact version for an urban commuter bike? Done. Want a higher-output variant for a sportier electric motorcycle? Also done. Verge has even demonstrated how the system integrates seamlessly into two-wheelers of multiple types, from sportsbikes to cafe racers to scooters and even more skeletal dirt bike-style riders.

Verge has been fielding inquiries from companies around the world, all eager to tap into its tech. Instead of gatekeeping, Verge is choosing to be the bridge. Verge Next gives these manufacturers access to a constantly evolving ecosystem of performance tools, software integrations, safety enhancements, and drivetrain tech. Think better battery management systems, smarter traction control, and optimized chassis balance—all available as part of the Verge Next package.

Verge Motorcycles CEO Tuomo Lehtimäki is pretty clear on the why. Verge paved the path with its own bikes, but now it’s time to expand the impact. While the parent company keeps pushing the envelope with its own electric motorcycles, Verge Next will focus exclusively on licensing and supporting integration across the industry. This isn’t Verge walking away from its core—it’s Verge scaling it.

And if you’re wondering about Donut Lab’s role in all this, Marko Lehtimäki—Donut’s CEO and also Verge’s chairman—makes it clear. They’re not just handing over parts. They’re giving manufacturers the full blueprint for innovation, wrapped in a high-competence team and backed by years of road-tested experience. This isn’t about flooding the market with Verge clones. It’s about setting a new standard.

So the next time you see an electric scooter zipping down your street, or a sleek e-bike carving through traffic, take a second look. That torque you feel, that silence, that seamless drive—it might just be powered by a Donut.

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Lehrer Architects creates tree-covered mausoleum for Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Lehrer Architects Hollywood Forever Mausoleum

American studios Lehrer Architects and AyD have used thick concrete slabs to create an open-air “vertical mausoleum” covered with trees within a renowned Los Angeles cemetery.

The architecture studios alternated concrete slabs, open voids and greenery when creating the structure, which rises 100 feet from the edge of Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Its height makes it one of, if not the tallest, mausoleums in the United States.

Lehrer Architects Hollywood Forever Mausoleum
Lehrer Architects and AyD completed a mausoleum for Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles

Lehrer Architects founder Michael B Lehrer told Dezeen that the height of the structure was born out of necessity when the design was originally commissioned in 2013.

He said that the original plan was not to instil monumentality, but that the site’s slender profile and the needs of the project allowed the structure to rise above the low-lying surrounding structures.

“The goal was not monumentality originally,” said Lehrer.

“Its structural became monumental by dint of solving for the architecture. I don’t think we ever used the word ‘monument’ but, in the end, it is, literally.”

Lehrer Architects Hollywood Forever Mausoleum
The project was originally commissioned in 2015

The studio called the structure a “vertical mausoleum”. It was designed to hold 22,500 crypt spaces and 30,000 niches for ashes, spread over five storeys, the top of which has views of the Hollywood hills and the iconic Hollywood sign.

To hold the heavy crypts, three-inch-thick slabs of concrete separate each one horizontally and vertically, creating a “honeycomb” design throughout.

Lehrer Architects Hollywood Forever Mausoleum
The team refers to it as a “vertical mausoleum”

Five-storey voids and five-storey concrete volumes alternate to form the mausoleum, with large planters for growing trees in between.

Breezeways are enclosed by the solid volumes of the crypts, which were covered in geometric patterns.

Because much of the structure needed to be solid to account for the crypts, it presented a unique structural opportunity, according to Lehrer, who compared it to infrastructural work in its seriality.

Lehrer Architects Hollywood Forever Mausoleum
Massive load-bearing concrete volumes are interspersed with voids

“There just aren’t that many places like this, particularly with stuff in them. Maybe engineering structures or freeway overpasses that may have something analogous,” Lehrer said.

“It’s somewhere between designing housing and designing a parking lot.”

For the faces of the crypts, Brazilian quartzite was used. This allowed for it to be different from the concrete and provide space for engravings, with a similar stone used for the wayfinding.

Lehrer Architects Hollywood Forever Mausoleum
The crypts are capped with Brazilian quartzite

Some of the crypt volumes cantilever out from the structure, creating space for the tree planters. The architecture studio said that four different structural engineers were consulted for the cantilevered crypts, before local firm Brandow and Johnston was able to execute the construction “without compromising the original design”.

Breezeways extend into metal-railed balconies, and the entirety of the ceiling is accessible.

On top of the structure is a Columbarium with niches for urns, which is distinguished materially from the rest of the structure by a scalloped granite facade material that from a distance looks almost metallic.

Lehrer Architects Hollywood Forever Mausoleum
Openings were included to bring in light

Working with local landscape studio MLA, the architects oriented the planting elements so that the trees will rise above the floor plates and vines will drape below.

“The seriality of the architecture and the seriality of the green solids between the voids – it’s going to age very well,” said Lehrer. “Its monumentality will be both as building and as landscape.”

Lehrer Architects Hollywood Forever Mausoleum

Hollywood Forever Cemetery was originally designed in the late 19th century by Joseph Earnshaw and has remained a popular burial place for many celebrity locals, including Judy Garland and Johnny Ramone, as Hollywood has continued to grow around it.

Lehrer said that the density of the structure was borne out of necessity and that it represents the growing densification of Los Angeles, a city long associated with urban sprawl.

“The intensity and density of it is simply a function of Los Angeles is urbanizing,” he said. “But the density is the least interesting part of it.”

“It’s the architectural part which is interesting,” he added. “How do you make something like this that honors the full cycle and circles of life? I think there’s no other place in the universe that this could be except in the middle of Hollywood, California.”

Two more identical structures will be placed next to this one in the coming years, and the team said this will expand the use of the cemetery for at least another 50 years and that the mausoleum will provide “more affordable” burial options for the community.

Lehrer Architects Hollywood Forever Mausoleum

Following the wildfires that devastated the city in January, Lehrer emphasised the structure as a symbol of permanence.

“As the city grapples with the long, challenging road to renewal and recovery, the Mausoleum exudes Los Angeles’s singularity, continuity, connection, and a wholesome bit of eternity,” he concluded.

Dezeen has a guide to contemporary cemetery design. Other recent houses of the dead include one in Bangladesh with breeze blocks and skylights.

The photography is by Tim Griffith.

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Dezeen Agenda features an interview with French designer Philippe Starck

Phillipe Starck with chairs

The latest edition of our weekly Dezeen Agenda newsletter features an interview with Philippe Starck at Milan design week. Subscribe to Dezeen Agenda now.

In an interview at this year’s Milan Design Week, Dezeen asked Philippe Starck whether design is becoming increasingly associated with luxury, given the strong presence of luxury brands.

“There is a very, very dangerous slip to luxe, a lack of ethics, a lack of culture, definitely, and too-fast rotation in the consuming of design because it’s trendy”, Starck said.

Saudi Arabia Pavilion by Foster + Partners and Journey
Foster + Partners creates “a village” for Saudi Arabia at Expo 2025 Osaka

This week’s newsletter also features Foster + Partners’ design for the Saudi Arabia pavilion at Expo 2025, a look at three new structures unveiled at this year’s Coachella and a series of colourful children’s sculptures by Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa.

Dezeen Agenda

Dezeen Agenda is a curated newsletter sent every Thursday containing the most important news highlights from Dezeen. Read the latest edition of Dezeen Agenda or subscribe here.

You can also subscribe to our other newsletters; Dezeen Debate is sent every Thursday and features the hottest reader comments and most-debated stories, Dezeen Daily is our daily bulletin that contains every story published in the preceding 24 hours and Dezeen In Depth is sent on the last Friday of every month and delves deeper into the major stories shaping architecture and design.

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Nayan Lamp Is A Bold Fusion of Global Craft and Modern Versatility

There’s something undeniably magnetic about lighting that shapes an entire space with both form and function. The Nayan Eyelid Multifunctional Lamp does exactly that, catching the eye of design lovers and interior pros with its mix of sculptural beauty and practical magic. It isn’t content to just sit in a corner; it adapts, transforms, and brings a fresh, global perspective to modern living and working environments.

What instantly sets the Nayan Lamp apart is its multicultural clay detailing at the base, a bold contrast against the clean, minimalist lines you’re used to. While minimalism often reigns in contemporary lighting, this piece isn’t shy about displaying its expressive roots. The result is a lamp that feels like a personal statement, bridging different traditions in a way that’s beautiful without being intimidating.

Designer: Vandana Rajendrakumar

Versatility is truly at the heart of its design. The lamp effortlessly shape-shifts into whatever your space demands: it can perch elegantly on a table, stand confidently as a floor lamp, or hang as a chic wall fixture. Whether you’re curating a cozy reading nook, setting the scene for a dinner party, or simply trying to find your focus, the Nayan adapts with you, never feeling out of place.

Its eyelid-inspired cover is more than just design cleverness but is also a transformative feature that changes the entire vibe. Close the cover and the beam softens, instantly turning sharp task lighting into a gentle, calming glow that’s perfect for winding down or practicing evening rituals. This gentle shift feels intentional, supporting the growing trend of self-care and mindful transitions between work and relaxation.

Portability and practicality haven’t been overlooked either. The Nayan Lamp is lightweight and easy to move, powered by a lithium-ion battery that reaches a full charge in just three hours via USB-C. If you ever need to repair or maintain it, the lamp dismantles easily, making it a sustainable choice in a buy-and-throw culture. This user-friendly approach is perfect for anyone who values both convenience and longevity in their design investments.

Handcrafting is a central philosophy of the Nayan Lamp, and each piece proudly wears its differences. The clay exterior, molded by skilled artisans, ensures that every lamp is subtly unique. This isn’t just about individuality; it’s a nod to tradition and support for craftsmanship that so often gets lost in mass manufacturing. Each lamp is more than décor: it’s a little piece of artistry for your space.

The post Nayan Lamp Is A Bold Fusion of Global Craft and Modern Versatility first appeared on Yanko Design.

Hands-On with the Sigma BF Camera: A Beautiful Union of Minimalist Design and Purposeful Function

When a new camera lands on my desk, I typically approach it with measured expectations. Yet sometimes, a piece of gear comes along that defies convention so boldly it demands an entirely fresh perspective. The Sigma BF is precisely that kind of device. Having spent a very short time with this striking mirrorless marvel, I can say this is one of the most thoughtfully designed and satisfying cameras I’ve ever held. That impression aligns with Sigma’s broader direction in 2025.

Designer: SIGMA

Announced in Tokyo, Sigma’s revitalized visual identity brings its design philosophy into sharp focus. The updated branding isn’t a surface-level refresh—it mirrors the same commitment to clarity, reduction, and form that defines the BF. Alongside new products and lenses, it signals a deeper investment in creativity, one grounded in simplicity and purpose-built engineering.

A Refined Look: The Evolution of Sigma’s Identity

Sigma’s updated visual identity reflects its core philosophy. The brand’s new wordmark and symbol retain the Greek letter Σ, honoring Sigma’s heritage while introducing a refined design. This update will gradually appear on packaging, digital platforms, and marketing materials. The change highlights the company’s focus on craftsmanship and the extensive expertise behind each product, reinforcing Sigma’s longstanding commitment to its roots in Aizu, Japan.

This shift arrives alongside the debut of Sigma’s Art Projects Initiative. Collaborations with artists like Sølve Sundsbø and Julia Hetta mark a renewed focus on supporting the creative process, not only through tools but through inspiration.

The Sigma BF doesn’t follow trends. It ignores them entirely. This full-frame mirrorless camera strips away excess and focuses on essentials. In hand, it’s not like any other photographic tool. With a 24.6MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 230GB of internal storage, hybrid autofocus, and a solid aluminum chassis milled from a single block, the BF is engineered with precision and intent.

Design and Ergonomics

The BF’s shape is striking—sharp lines, geometric intent, and zero unnecessary ornamentation. It’s a trapezoidal block, sculpted and balanced with care. The unibody aluminum build delivers a monolithic feel. There are no visible seams, no break in continuity—only surface transitions executed with near-microscopic precision.

This isn’t a camera that disappears in your hand. It transforms in your grip. The textured metal pattern on the grip section creates friction without discomfort. It doesn’t attract lint or degrade with sweat. Despite the stark visual language, the camera rests securely and naturally. Palm and thumb rests are integrated into the form itself, not bolted on as afterthoughts.

Both the black and silver finishes are handled with restraint. The matte black absorbs light softly, ideal for low-profile shooting, while the silver variant—the one Sigma shipped per our request—creates a sculptural feel paired with I Series lenses. The aluminum body warms to the touch quickly, encouraging a connection rather than distancing the user from the tool.

At around 650g with battery, the BF lands in that sweet spot of heft and carryability. Whether walking the streets or working on longer handheld shoots, it holds its position without needing constant adjustment.

Simplified Interface with a Focused Layout

The BF features just five physical buttons. No mode dial. No clutter. Power, shutter release, playback, menu, and a center button on the haptic directional pad. Each one is pressure-sensitive and offers responsive feedback without clicky overstatement. The shutter release delivers a perfect half-press tension and a quiet, yet reassuring, release.

The layout supports your muscle memory—power under your thumb, playback just above the natural rest line, and control functions centered. After just a few minutes of shooting, it becomes second nature.

A slim status monitor located near the rear screen displays current adjustments in real-time, without disrupting your composition. When framing, the rear screen stays intentionally clean. Only the essentials show—no histogram clutter, no redundant overlays. The idea is simple: keep your eyes on the shot, not the settings.

Instead of switching through PASM modes, the BF grants direct control over shutter speed, aperture, ISO, exposure compensation, and color mode. Each is available instantly. You’re not drilling through layers—you’re adjusting the fundamentals of photography. This approach clearly speaks to photographers who want a machine that supports their decisions, not menus.

Real-World Handling and Lens Pairing

With Sigma’s compact I Series primes, like the 50mm F2 DG—our review unit—the BF feels cohesive. The silver-on-silver pairing makes a design statement without being overly loud. The body’s balance remains stable, and the tripod mount aligns with the lens’s optical axis, which is key for accurate panorama stitching and long-lens setups.

While I’ve only had the unit for minutes, I anticipate that even after hours of shooting, hand fatigue won’t be an issue. The grip’s tactile pattern doesn’t irritate, and the chamfered edges prevent pressure points during extended sessions. The BF isn’t trying to vanish. It stays present but never gets in your way.

There’s no EVF, and Sigma makes no apologies for it. The BF asks you to look at the world differently—literally through a screen. It’s a decision that won’t work for everyone, but for street shooters and those composing at waist level or at low angles, it feels natural and refreshingly direct.

Thermals, Power, Storage—and What’s Next

The aluminum body is said to dissipate heat efficiently—something I’ll need to test out over the next week. So far, during brief use, it has remained stable to the touch. The internal 230GB storage eliminates the need for SD cards and supports over 14,000 JPEG images or approximately two hours of 6K video. USB-C handles fast transfers and charging. It’s an ecosystem with less friction, which is the real story behind the BF—less friction, more shooting.

I have a very short two-week period to put this camera to the test, and I plan to make the most of every minute to do so. The Sigma BF doesn’t compete on feature checklists. It doesn’t chase trends. It sets its own agenda—tactile, minimal, intentional. You don’t pick it up for specs. You use it because it makes you feel connected to the process again.

It’s not for everyone. And that’s the point. Sigma created a camera for those who care about how a camera feels, looks, and interacts with the creative process. Once you experience it, returning to plastic shells and bloated menus feels like trading down. The BF offers a different kind of freedom—the kind that reminds you why you picked up a camera in the first place.

Stay tuned for my full review.

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